Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spacecraft, named Tenacity, is preparing for launch within the year 2024 following successful completion of its latest tests at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility. The spacecraft, along with its Shooting Star cargo carrier, will undergo a final check at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) before its launch, which will be carried out using ULA’s second Vulcan Centaur rocket.
Designed as a reusable, crewless cargo freighter capable of returning to the runway, Dream Chaser will be accompanied by the Shooting Star module, providing additional pressurized and unpressurized cargo capacity to the International Space Station (ISS). Additionally, the Shooting Star can carry waste for incineration upon re-entry into the atmosphere.
Tom Vice, CEO of Sierra Space, emphasized that the meticulous environmental tests successfully completed by Dream Chaser represent a significant step towards the spacecraft’s operational readiness. Vice underscored the importance of the close collaboration with NASA throughout this process, highlighting it as a crucial milestone for Dream Chaser’s entry into service.
Although a specific launch date has not yet been announced, it is anticipated that a launch in the second half of 2024 is likely, given the need for integration of the spacecraft into Kennedy Space Center. While this represents a significant delay compared to previous planned dates, the commencement of Dream Chaser’s operations is eagerly awaited.
Following the completion of the latest environmental tests, Dream Chaser will undergo crucial tests at the Space Systems Processing Facility at KSC, including acoustic, electromagnetic interference, and compatibility tests. These tests will play a pivotal role in verifying the reliability and performance of the spacecraft.
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